Reform UK London Assembly member Alex Wilson has accused Mayor Sadiq Khan of failing to take the grooming gangs issue seriously following a heated exchange at City Hall.
The criticism came after Khan repeatedly refused to answer whether he was aware of grooming gangs operating in London during questioning by former London Tory leader Susan Hall.
Wilson slammed the Mayor’s response in comments to GB News, describing the exchange as “ridiculous” and suggesting Khan was attempting to provoke a controversial response from Hall.
During the City Hall exchange, Khan repeatedly asked Hall to clarify what she meant by grooming gangs.
Alex Wilson raged at Sadiq Khan on GB News
GB NEWS / LONDON ASSEMBLY
When Hall referenced abuse gangs similar to those in Rotherham and Bradford, Khan continued to press for definition.
“What does she mean by that?” the Mayor asked multiple times.
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Hall eventually responded: “The sort of gangs that groom young girls at a young age for sex. How much clearer do you want me to be?”
While Khan acknowledged that young people were exploited in London, he claimed the exploitation was “not as defined” by Hall.
The tense exchange took place yesterday morning at the London Assembly.
Wilson told GB News: “There was a ridiculous back and forth. He tried to goad Susan Hall into saying something so he could play the race card.”
Alex Wilson joined Patrick Christys on GB News
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“It’s just outrageous. Sadiq Khan is not taking the grooming gangs seriously, just like he isn’t taking knife crime seriously,” Wilson added.
The Reform UK Assembly member criticised Khan’s approach to cross-party cooperation.
“The London Assembly is there to represent all Londoners. We’re elected across a range of parties and the way it’s structured should encourage people to work together despite their political differences,” he said.
“But he showed clearly he has no interest in that.”
The heated exchange occurred shortly before Labour Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced new funding to investigate grooming gangs.
The Government will provide £10million for five local reviews into the scandal.
The initiative will focus on Oldham Council and four other pilot areas, led by Tom Crowther KC, who organised the Telford inquiry.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticised the announcement as “totally inadequate”.
“It will only cover a fraction of the towns affected, and the inquiries appear they will not have the powers they need,” Philp said.
